Set to take place September 26 - October 1, this year's international ESSENCE Fest will be returning to celebrate, uplift and fellowship with the people of South Africa. The 3-day event will have plenty in store for attendees, including the first-ever appearance from world renowned spiritual leader, Bishop T.D. Jakes.

“Last year’s inaugural Essence Festival Durban was an immense success, and we’re thrilled to once again partner with eThekwini Municipality for another one-of-a-kind cultural experience,” said Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks. “This year, we’re welcoming Bishop T.D. Jakes to the festival in South Africa for his very first headliner appearance. His uplifting and empowering words will set the tone for this unique celebration of communities spanning the diaspora.”

ESSENCE Festival Durban 2017 will feature a host of local artists and experts, as well as an exciting lineup of international performers. Like ESSENCE Fest New Orleans -- which celebrated 23 years this past July -- ESSENCE Fest Durban will include a daytime Empowerment Experience, where attendees will have the opportunity to take part in workshops and seminars on various topics, including the development of women and youth in business. In the evening, Festival goers can look forward to a great time filled with live entertainment and musical magic at the nightly concerts.

Her Worship, The Mayor of eThekwini, Cllr. Zandile Gumede says the city is highly anticipating the return of ESSENCE Fest Durban.

“The City of Durban looks forward to the 2017 edition of the Essence Festival Durban," she says. "Last year was an overwhelming success and the Festival has played a vital part in the women empowerment programs and in showcasing our local arts and fashion sector. The investment and resources into this Festival has culminated into building a strong global brand and identity for Durban, in the U.S. Market, a key source market for our City. Durban is being discovered by global travelers looking for new and different cultural experiences combined with the excitement of nature and historical significance. We trust that through the hosting of Essence Festival Durban, the City will benefit again from the intense global marketing and increased business growth for Durban.”